Bearing supported pick-up pin for spincast reel

ABSTRACT

A fishing reel designed to retain rotational functionality under load. The reel has a spool and spinner head assembly. A first pin arm is pivotally mounted to a plate portion of the spinner head assembly. A plate facing surface of the first pin arm has at least a portion that defines a planar surface from the first pivot end to the first pin arm for providing deflection resistance. A first pick-up pin selectively extends the first pin arm through a first pick-up pin orifice in a wall portion of the spinner head assembly. A first pick-up sleeve is rotationally mounted on the first pick-up pin for engaging fishing line when fishing line is wound onto said spool.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/648,258, filed Jul. 12, 2017, titled, “BEARING SUPPORTED PICK UP PINFOR SPINCAST REEL,” which claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/361,339 titled “BEARING SUPPORTED PICK UP PIN FORSPINCAST REEL,” filed Jul. 12, 2016, the contents of both of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to fishing reels. More particularly, the inventionrelates to an improved pick-up pin for spincast reels.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Spincast reels are well known in the art. A spincast reel typicallyincludes a central body including a frame, a front cover positionableover at least the front face of the frame and having a tapered forwardwall, a back cover positionable over at least the back face of theframe, a casting button projecting from the back cover, and a crankhandle extending from a side of the fishing reel. Most of the operatingstructures and operating mechanisms of the reel are either mounted on,formed on, or mounted through the frame. A crank handle is operable forwinding a fishing line around a spool contained within the reel. Thespool is typically mounted on a spool hub that projects forwardly fromthe front of the frame.

A spincast reel will also include a foot structure for securing the reelon a fishing rod. The foot structure typically extends from either thebottom of the body or from the bottom of the back cover.

Operating structures and mechanisms contained in a typical spincast reelinclude an elongate main or center shaft that slidably and rotatablyextends through the frame and through the spool, a spinner head securedto the forward end of the main or center shaft, a pinion gear positionedon the main shaft, a crankshaft extending from the crank handle into theside of the reel and through a crankshaft boss provided on the rearwardface of the frame, a drive gear or face gear secured on the crankshaft,an anti-reverse mechanism in communication with the crankshaft forpreventing reverse rotation of the crank handle and crankshaft, and anadjustable drag system.

A pinion gear is typically retained in the reel adjacent the rear faceof the frame. The pinion gear is keyed on the main or center shaft forimparting rotational movement to the center shaft while allowing theshaft to slide longitudinally through the frame. The crankshaft drivegear operably engages the pinion gear such that rotational movement isimparted to the main shaft by turning the crank handle.

When an excessive pulling force is applied to the fishing line, the dragsystem counteracts the anti-reverse mechanism of the reel to payout asufficient amount of additional fishing line to prevent the line frombreaking. Most drag systems function to allow either an adjustableresistance to rotational slippage of the line spool about the spool hubor to allow an adjustable resistance to rotational slippage of the drivegear about the crankshaft. A typical drag system will also include anexternal adjustment mechanism, such as either a finger-operated dragwheel projecting from the reel housing or a star-shaped dial operablysecured adjacent the crank handle on the exterior end of the crankshaft.

The spinner head attached to the forward end of the main shaft windsfishing line on the reel spool. While winding, the spinner head ispositioned over the spool. When the user turns the crank handle, therotational movement of the handle is mechanically transferred to thespinner head by means of the drive or face gear, the pinion gear, andthe center shaft. The spinner head typically includes a mechanism forholding and positioning the fishing line so that, as the spinner headrotates, the spinner head wraps line around the spool. The mechanism istypically a set of line-grasping notches formed in a rearward edge ofthe spinner head or a spring-loaded pick-up pin or pins that projectlaterally through a sidewall of the spinner head.

A spincast reel will also typically include a biasing member for biasingthe main or center shaft rearwardly toward engagement with the castingbutton. The biasing member commonly consists of a spring positionedaround the rearward portion of the center shaft. The spring is typicallyattached to or retained by the rearward end of the main shaft such thatthe spring also holds the pinion or center shaft gear against the reelframe.

When casting a spincast reel, a user initially presses and holds thethumb button whereby the main shaft and the spinner head move forwardand the spinner head clamps the fishing line against the tapered forwardwall of the front cover. The line is thus prevented from moving outward,i.e., is prevented from paying out during the power portion of thecasting motion. The forward movement of the center shaft and spinnerhead also typically activates a locking mechanism that limits therearward movement of the spinner head such that the spinner head isprevented from returning to its winding position and disengages theline-grasping mechanism.

At the end of the casting motion, the user releases the thumb button toallow the shaft spring to move the center shaft and the spinner headrearwardly such that the fishing line is no longer clamped against thetapered forward wall of the front cover. With the line released and thespinner head prevented from grasping or otherwise engaging the fishingline, the line flows freely over the forward end of the line spool andthrough a line opening provided in the forward end of the front cover.

After casting, the user returns the spinner head and the line-graspingmechanism to their winding positions by turning the crank handle. One ormore cam lobes or other release mechanisms are typically provided on theframe or elsewhere in the reel for releasing the spinner head lockingmechanism in response to rotational movement of the spinner head.

One potential area for reel malfunction relates to the pick-up pins.Under certain conditions, friction between the pick-up pins and thespinner head assembly or other structures result in preventing rotationwhen a load was applied. In particular, contact may occur due todeflection of structure that support and move a line pick-up memberbetween retrieve and casting positions, e.g., a line pick-up arm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The fishing reel of the invention includes a body including a framehaving a front side and a rear side. The frame defines an axial orificethat communicates the front side and the rear side. A main shaft isslidably received in the axial orifice. In one embodiment, a spool ismounted on a shaft that shares a longitudinal axis with the main shaft.In some embodiments, the spool may be mounted on a spool boss that ispart of the reel body and that shares a longitudinal axis with the mainshaft.

A spinner head assembly is secured to the main shaft forward of theframe and the spool. The spinner head assembly has a plate portion and acircumferential wall portion protruding from the plate portion. Theplate portion has a forward surface and a rearward surface. The forwardsurface has a first spring tab and a second spring tab protrudingtherefrom. The plate portion defines a first pivot orifice, a firstslot, a second pivot orifice and a second slot. The circumferential wallportion defines a first pick-up pin orifice and a second pick-up pinorifice.

A first spring member is received in the first slot. The first springmember has an inner end and an outer end. First spring memberadditionally defines a flange and a receiving orifice that receives afastener, such as a screw.

A first pin arm defines a first pivot end, a first pin end, a platefacing or engaging surface, and an inside surface. The first pin armdefines a first pivot orifice adjacent the first pivot end. The firstpin arm further defines a first spring member orifice. The plateengaging surface defines a first receptacle on the plate engagingsurface. The first receptacle further defines the first spring memberorifice for receiving the inner end of the first spring member, whereinat least a portion the plate engaging surface defines a planar surfacefrom the first pivot end to the first pin end of the first pin arm. Thecontinuous planar surface results from the first pin arm having at leasta portion that defines a substantially uniform thickness. The thicknessof the first pin arm functions to increase stiffness and to constrainthe line pick-up arm. The first pin arm is additionally restrained fromdeflection by the flange of the first spring member, which contacts theforward surface of the plate portion. Therefore, the first pin arm ispivotally affixed to the plate portion at the first pivot end and isslidably restrained at a second location along a length of first pinarm, preferably on a second side of a midpoint of first pin arm,although stability and deflection resistance are increased by theaddition of the slidable restraint at any location.

The first pin arm is pivotally mounted to the rearward surface of theplate portion by the first pivot member, wherein the affixing member isa threaded flange.

A first affixing member is received in the first pivot orifice. A wheelis mounted on the first spring member and is received in the firstreceptacle of the first pin arm. The wheel has a plate facing orengaging surface for sliding on the rearward surface of the plateportion when the first pin arm is pivoted about the first pivot member.In one embodiment, the wheel is rotationally mounted to the first pinarm for rotational engagement with reel structure.

A first pin spring has a first end in communication with the firstspring tab and a second end in communication with the outer end of thefirst spring member. The first pin spring is provided for biasing thefirst pin arm to a retracted position.

A first pick-up pin extends from the first pin end of the first pin arm.The first pick-up pin is provided for selectively extending through thefirst pick-up pin orifice in the circumferential wall portion of thespinner head assembly.

A first pick-up sleeve is rotationally mounted on the first pick-up pin.The first pick-up sleeve is provided for engaging fishing line when thefishing line is to be wound onto the spool.

A second spring member is received in the second slot. The second springmember has an inner end and an outer end. The second spring memberadditionally defines a flange and a receiving orifice that receives afastener, such as a screw.

A second pin arm defines a first pivot end, a first pin end, a plateengaging surface and an inside surface. The second pin arm defines afirst pivot orifice adjacent the first pivot end. The second pin armfurther defines a first spring member orifice. The plate engagingsurface defines a receptacle on the plate engaging surface. Thereceptacle further defines the first spring member orifice for receivingthe inner end of the second spring member, wherein at least a portionthe plate engaging surface defines a planar surface from the first pivotend to the first pin end of the second pin arm. The continuous planarsurface results from the second pin arm having at least a portion thatdefines a substantially uniform thickness. The thickness of the secondpin arm functions to increase stiffness and to constrain the linepick-up arm. The first pin arm is additionally restrained fromdeflection by a flange of the second spring member, which contacts theforward surface of the plate portion. Therefore, the second pin arm ispivotally affixed to the plate portion at the first pivot end and isslidably restrained at a second location along a length of second pivotarm, preferably on a second side of a midpoint of second pivot arm,although stability and deflection resistance are increased by theaddition of the slidable restraint at any location.

The second pin arm is pivotally mounted to the rearward surface of theplate portion by the second pivot member, wherein the affixing member isa threaded flange.

A second affixing member is received in the second pivot orifice. Awheel is mounted on the second spring member and is received in thespacer receptacle of the second pin arm. The wheel has a plate engagingsurface for sliding on the rearward surface of the plate portion whenthe second pin arm is pivoted about the second pivot member. In oneembodiment, the wheel is rotationally mounted to the second pin arm forrotational engagement with reel structure.

A second pin spring has a first end in communication with the firstspring tab and a second end in communication with the outer end of thesecond spring member. The second pin spring is provided for biasing thesecond pin arm to a retracted position.

A second pick-up pin extends from the pin end of the second pin arm. Thesecond pick-up pin is provided for selectively extending through thesecond pick-up pin orifice in the circumferential wall portion of thespinner head assembly.

A second pick-up sleeve is rotationally mounted on the second pick-uppin. The second pick-up sleeve is provided for engaging fishing linewhen the fishing line is to be wound onto the spool.

The unique design of the first pin arm and second pin arm, as well asthe rotationally mounted first pick-up sleeve and second pick-up sleeve,result in improved smoothness of operation and an increase in reelreliability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a spincast reel.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a rear side of a spinner head assembly of FIG.1.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a front side of the spinner head assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a side of the spinner head assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an elevation view of a side of the spinner head assembly ofFIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the spinner head assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the spinner headassembly of FIGS. 2 and 3 taken along lines 7-7 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pin arm of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the pin arm of FIGS. 2 and 7.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the pick-up pin assembly of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pick-up pin assembly of FIG. 9,taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is an end view of the pick-up pin assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is an end view of the pick-up pin assembly of FIG. 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pin arm ofFIG. 2 shown with cross-sectional views of the spacer and pick-upsleeve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the figures, fishing reel is designated generally 10.Fishing reel 10 includes a body 12 having a frame 14. Frame 14 has afront side 16 and a rear side 18. Frame 14 defines an axial orifice (notshown) that communicates front side 16 and rear side 18 of frame 14.Main shaft 22 is received within axial orifice 20. Spool 24 is rotatablymounted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of main shaft 22.

Spinner head assembly 26 is secured to main shaft 22 forward of frame 14and spool 24. Spinner head assembly 26 includes plate portion 28 that issubstantially perpendicular to main shaft 18. Spinner head assembly 26further includes circumferential wall portion 30 that protrudes fromplate portion 28 and is substantially parallel to main shaft 18.

Plate portion 28 has a forward surface 32 (FIGS. 3-5) and a rearwardsurface 34 (FIG. 2). Rearward surface 34 defines first spring tab 36 andsecond spring tab 38 that protrudes therefrom. Plate portion 28 definesfirst pivot orifice 40, first slot 42 (FIG. 7), second pivot orifice(not shown), and second slot (not shown).

Circumferential wall portion 30 defines first pick-up pin orifice 50 andsecond pick-up pin orifice 52.

First spring member 62 is received in first slot 42. First spring member62 has an inner end 64 and an outer end 66. First spring member 62additionally defines flange 67 and receiving orifice 68 that receivesfastener 69, such as a screw. A head of fastener 69 engages insidesurface 78 of first pin arm 70 and maintains flange 67 in closeproximity to forward surface 32 of plate 76 of spinner head assembly 26.

First pin arm 70 defines first pivot end 72, first pin end 74, platefacing or engaging surface 76, and inside surface 78. First pin arm 70defines first pivot orifice 80 adjacent to first pivot end 72. First pinarm 70 further defines first spring member orifice 82 (FIG. 9). Plateengaging surface 76 of first pin arm 70 may define first wheelreceptacle 84. First wheel receptacle 84 further defines first springmember orifice 82 for receiving inner end 64 of first spring member 62.At least a portion of plate engaging surface 76 defines a planar surfacefrom first pivot end 72 to first pin end 74 of first pin arm 70. Theportion of first pin arm 70 adjacent to first wheel receptacle 84 andforming a portion of the planar surface is provided to reinforce firstpin arm 70 to limit deflection of first pin arm 70. Pin arm 70 isfurther restrained from deflection by flange 67 of first spring member62.

First pin arm 70 is pivotally mounted to rearward surface 34 of plateportion 28 by first affixing member 86. First affixing member 86 isreceived in first pivot orifice 80. In a preferred embodiment, affixingmember 86 is threadably received in threaded flange 81.

Wheel 88 is mounted on first spring member 62 and received in firstreceptacle 84 of first pin arm 70. Wheel 88 has plate facing or engagingsurface 90 for sliding on rearward surface 34 of plate portion 28 whenfirst pin arm 70 is pivoted about first affixing member 86. In oneembodiment, bearing spacer 288 (FIG. 14) is rotationally mounted tofirst pin arm 70. Ball bearings 289 may be provided to facilitaterotation. In another embodiment, wheel 88 may be integrally formed withfirst pin arm 70. Wheel 88 may engage rotating structure on main shaft22.

Referring now to FIG. 6, first pin spring 92 has a first end incommunication with first spring tab 36. First pin spring 92 has a secondend that communicates with outer end 66 of first spring member 62. Firstpin spring 92 is for biasing first pin arm 70 to a retracted position.

First pick-up pin 98 (FIG. 9) extends from first pin end 74 of first pinarm 70. First pick-up pin 98 is for selectively extending through firstpick-up pin orifice 50 in circumferential wall portion 30 of spinnerhead assembly 26.

First pick-up pin sleeve 100 is rotationally mounted on first pick-uppin 98. In a preferred embodiment, first pick-up pin sleeve 100 ismounted to first pick-up pin 98 with one or more bearings 102therebetween (see, e.g., FIG. 14). In one embodiment, bearings 102 areroller bearings. First pick-up sleeve 100 is for engaging fishing linewhen fishing line is to be wound onto spool 24.

The components associated with second pin arm 170 (FIG. 2) are the sameas components associated with first pin arm 70. Where componentsassociated with second pin arm 170 are visible, these components arelabeled. When not visible, these components should be understood to havethe same construction as corresponding components associated with firstpin arm 70. Second pivot member is received in second pick-up pinorifice. Second spring member 162 (FIG. 6) is received in second slot.Second spring member 162 has an inner end and an outer end 166 (FIG. 6).Second spring member 162 additionally defines a flange and receivingorifice for receiving a fastener, similar to first spring member 62.

Second pin arm 170 (FIG. 2) defines second pivot end 172, second pin end174, a plate facing or engaging surface, and inside surface 178. Secondpin arm 170 defines second pivot orifice (not shown) adjacent to secondpivot end. Second pin arm 170 further defines second spring memberorifice. Plate engaging surface of second pin arm 170 defines a secondreceptacle. Second receptacle further defines second spring memberorifice for receiving inner end of second spring member 162. At least aportion of plate engaging surface defines a planar surface from secondpivot end to second pin end 172 of second pin arm 170. Fastener 169(FIG. 2) passes through second pin arm 170 for securing second springmember 162.

Second pin arm 170 is pivotally mounted to rearward surface 34 of plateportion 28 by second affixing member 186. Second affixing member 186 isreceived in second pivot orifice. In a preferred embodiment, secondaffixing member 186 is threadably received in a threaded flange (notshown).

Wheel 188 is mounted on second spring member 162 and received in thesecond receptacle of second pin arm 170. Wheel 188 has plate facing orengaging surface for sliding on rearward surface 34 of plate portion 28when second pin arm 170 is pivoted about second affixing member 186. Inone embodiment, wheel 188 is rotationally mounted to second pin arm 170.Bearings, such as ball bearings, may be provided to facilitate rotation.In another embodiment, wheel 188 may be integrally formed with secondpin arm 170.

Second pin spring 192 (FIG. 6) has first end in communication withsecond spring tab 136. Second pin spring 192 has second end thatcommunicates with outer end 166 of second spring member 162. Second pinspring 192 is for biasing second pin arm 170 to a retracted position. Inthe exemplary embodiment, first pin spring 92 and second pin spring 192are located adjacent to forward surface 32 of spinner head assembly 26.In other embodiments, first pin spring 92 and second pin spring 192 maybe located adjacent to rearward surface 34 of spinner head assembly 26.

Still referring to FIG. 6, second pick-up pin 198 extends from secondpin end 174 of second pin arm 170. Second pick-up pin 198 is forselectively extending through second pick-up pin orifice 52 incircumferential wall portion 30 of spinner head assembly 26. Although anembodiment having two pin arms, i.e., first pin arm 70 and second pinarm 170, are shown in figures, it should be understood that the reel ofthe invention could be made with a single pin arm, three, or more pinarms. Additionally, although first pin arm 70 and second pin arm 170 areshown as being pivotally mounted, other configurations are possible,including linear actuated pins wherein the pin arms move radially topass pick-up pins through the pick-up pin orifice.

Second pick-up pin sleeve 200 is rotationally mounted on second pick-uppin 198. In a preferred embodiment, second pick-up pin sleeve 200 ismounted to second pick-up pin 198 on one or more bearings.

Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objectivesand attain the ends and advantages mentioned above as well as thoseinherent therein. While presently preferred embodiments have beendescribed for purposes of this disclosure, numerous changes andmodifications will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Such changes and modifications are encompassed within the spirit of thisinvention as defined by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fishing reel comprising: a spool mounted forrotating about a longitudinal axis defined by a main shaft; a spinnerhead assembly secured to said main shaft forward of said spool, saidspinner head assembly having a plate portion and a circumferential wallportion protruding rearwardly from said plate portion, said plateportion defining a rearward surface, a forward surface, and a firstslot; said circumferential wall portion defining a first pick-up pinorifice; a first pin arm defining a first pivot end, a first pin end, aplate facing surface and an inside surface; said first pin arm pivotallymounted to said rearward surface of said plate portion proximate saidpivot end; and a member affixed to said first pin arm and extendingthrough said first slot of said plate portion, said member having aflange for contact with said forward surface of said plate portion forpreventing deflection of said first pin arm: a first pick-up pinextending from said first pin end of said first pin arm, said firstpick-up pin for selectively extending through said first pick-up pinorifice in said circumferential wall portion of said spinner headassembly.
 2. The fishing reel according to claim 1 wherein: a firstspring member received in said first slot, said first spring memberhaving an inner end and an outer end.
 3. The fishing reel according toclaim 2 wherein: said plate facing surface of said first pin armdefining a first spacer receptacle, said first spacer receptacle furtherdefining a first spring member orifice for receiving said inner end ofsaid first spring member, wherein at least a portion said plate facingsurface of said first pin arm defines a planar surface from said firstpivot end to said first pin end of said first pin arm.
 4. The fishingreel according to claim 3 wherein: said first pin arm further defining afirst pivot arm orifice adjacent said first pin end; said plate portiondefining a first pivot orifice; a flange received in said first pivotarm orifice of said first pin arm and in said first pivot orifice ofsaid plate portion of said spinner head assembly; said flange pivotallyaffixing said first pin arm to said plate portion of said spinner headassembly.
 5. The fishing reel according to claim 4 further comprising: awheel mounted adjacent to said first spring member and received in saidfirst spacer receptacle of said first pin arm, said wheel having a platefacing surface for sliding movement with respect to said rearwardsurface of said plate portion when said first pin arm is pivoted aboutsaid first affixing member.
 6. The fishing reel according to claim 2wherein: said plate portion further comprises a first spring tab and asecond spring tab that extends from said forward surface; and furthercomprising: a first pin spring having a first end in communication withsaid first spring tab, said first spring tab having a second end incommunication with said outer end of said first spring member, saidfirst pin spring for biasing said first pin arm to a retracted position.7. The fishing reel according to claim further comprising: a second pinarm defining a second pivot end, a second pin end, a plate facingsurface and an inside surface, said second pin arm pivotally mounted tosaid rearward surface of said plate portion of said spinner headassembly; wherein said pin arm is pivotally mounted to said rearwardsurface of said plate portion proximate said pivot end and slidablysecured to said plate portion at a second location for preventingdeflection of said second pin arm; said circumferential wall portionfurther defines a second pick-up pin orifice for receiving said secondpick-up pin.
 8. The fishing reel according to claim 7 wherein: at leasta portion of said plate facing surface of said second pin arm defines aplanar surface from said first pivot end to said first pin end of saidfirst pin arm.